To Prevent Suicide, We Need To Do More Than Just Share A Hotline Number

Isabella Carapella I couldn’t begin tell you what my old home phone number was before I moved. “It’s less about what you say and more about how you encourage them to talk more and give them a response that’s nonjudgmental and really supportive.” - Christine Moutier, chief medical officer of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention And if a person does admit they’re experiencing mental health complications ― whether it’s a low mood, anxiety or other intense emotions ― one tiny skill can lead to a more productive conversation: Active listening, which requires full concentration on what the other person is saying in the moment. “It’s less about what you say and more about how you encourage them to talk more and give them a response that’s nonjudgmental and really supportive.” In a perfect world, this would play into a bigger, comprehensive approach to mental health that starts sooner than it has in the past, Moutier said. I think that those same basic principles do apply to mental health, but that hasn’t become infused into our society yet.” “We need to deepen the mental health literacy of our nation, to the point that people become self-aware of the triggers and improvers of their own mental health like they are with their physical health.” - Moutier “We need to continue to work toward educating people that mental health issues are real and may require more courage to seek help than other diseases because of the stigma,” said Ana Moreno, co-founder and clinical director of Family Recovery Specialists, a facility at Delphi Behavioral Health Group in Miami. On some occasions, the helper can provide resources the person calling may not have been aware of before that can add additional hope.” “Talking about feelings can and does help people to feel better.” - Ana Moreno, co-founder and clinical director of Family Recovery Specialists And, when someone does call who is contemplating self-harm or death, the trained counselors on the other end are ready to take action when necessary.